Ward County, Texas
Ward County sits in the Permian Basin of West Texas, where the landscape stretches out in every direction. It’s mostly flat, but there’s something beautiful about the wide-open spaces. Monahans, the county seat, is famous for its sandhills. Yep, you’ll actually find sand dunes out here in Texas. Pretty surprising, right?
The climate is dry and unforgiving, with hot summers, mild winters, and very little rainfall. But the people are just as tough as the land. They’ve lived through the ups and downs of the oil industry and know how to handle changing times.
The Pecos River runs along the southern edge of the county, providing a valuable source of water in this arid region. Ward County may not appeal to everyone, but for those who call it home, the wide-open landscape and strong community are hard to leave behind.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Ward County |
| County Seat | Monahans |
| Population | Approximately 12,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Monahans, Wink, Pyote |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 80, U.S. Highway 285 |
| FIPS Code | 48-475 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,188 square miles (2,188 sq mi land, 0 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Winkler County (North), Ector County (Northeast), Crane County (East), Pecos County (South), Reeves County (West), Loving County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°56’N, 103°00’W |
| Etymology | Named after Thomas William Ward, a commissioner for the General Land Office of Texas and mayor of Austin, Texas |
| Major Landmarks | Monahans Sandhills State Park, Ward County Museum |
